Purposes During the flotation process, the fine gasification slag particles exhibit challenges such as micro-fine particle coagulation and moisture entrainment since the interlocking of inorganic minerals and residual carbon particles from coal gasification, coupled with the excessively small particle size of the fine-grade gasification slag. Methods In this study, sodium silicate was employed to establish a stable dispersion environment and the selective flocculation effects of polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC) on ash and residual carbon were investigated. Through characterization techniques such as turbidimetry, laser particle size analysis, and electrophoresis, combined with molecular dynamics simulations, the mechanism of PDADMAC-induced selective flocculation in coal gasification fine slag was elucidated. Results The results indicate that the optimal flocculation-flotation performance is achieved with sodium silicate dosage of 2 kg·t-1 and PDADMAC dosage of 40 g·t-1, obtaining a concentrate with 31.30% yield and 44.27% ash content, a tailing ash content of 93.35%, and a selectivity coefficient of 34.30. Compared with conventional flotation, by adopting the proposed method, the ash content of the concentrate is reduced by 8.16%, while the selectivity coefficient is increased by 7.1%. Sodium silicate provides a negatively charged environment, promoting sufficient dispersion of residual carbon and ash particles. PDADMAC forms ammonium salts with residual carbon particles via coordination, selectively adsorbed onto the carbon surfaces, thereby reducing hydrogen bonding and enhancing their hydrophobicity. Concurrently, PDADMAC increases electrostatic repulsion among ash particles, suppressing their flocculation. Conclusions Selective flocculation-flotation offers a feasible approach for the efficient benefication of fine particles in gasification fine slag.
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